“For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”
--Proverbs 1:32-33

Twenty-two years ago, nearly one hundred members of the First United Methodist Church left to form a Bible study and prayer group who, over much consideration and prayer, gave way to University Methodist Church. Although we missed the actual 20-year anniversary of our church in 1998, October 18th, 2001 will mark the 20th anniversary of the organization of our assembly. Our priorities must be in the right place if we missed the former milestone. Our focus is clearly not honoring ourselves, but worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us take some time next fall to honor our Father in heaven for preserving us and blessing us for so many years.

The state of the church

We’re doing quite well for a church our size. We could always do better, but this year, despite the many changes God has brought, has been one of progress and not digression.

-We filled the house last Sunday! It was a special occasion, as we received the “Church of the Week” award from Pete Thomson, station manager of The Word 94.9 FM. Let’s do it again, as every time we gather to worship our Lord is a special occasion.

-Our tithes, gifts of time, effort, equipment, and money in the offering plate have sustained our budget. We’re barely making it, but the Lord will provide if we proceed in faith. Those of you who tithe regularly and consistently, thank you for giving to the Lord.

Statistics:

-1 decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord. If we have done nothing in the last 20 years but help this one soul to make terms with her Saviour, then we have done our job!

-1 new member. Mrs. Maria Hayes has joined the church. It’s nice to have you with us, Maria! There are also several new regulars who have come from UNT to worship and serve with us. We welcome you all, brothers and sisters.

-1 infant dedication: Nickolas Lauderman, grandson of Sharon Shellis.

-1 new Sunday School Class. Young Adults, ages 18 on up to around 30.

-1 new fellowship. The Womens’ Meetings on Tuesday night is eagerly anticipated and well-received. Thank you ladies for taking the initiative on this one.

-1 new radio show, “The Pastor’s Study” will return to the air, at 94.9 The Word FM at 10:45am on Sunday, right before Prestonwood Baptist Church. They now have a tough act to follow!

A lot of “ones” in this report. Let’s continue to proceed one soul at a time. The Lord is indeed moving in Denton!

This year has also brought much sorrow. Donny and Charlotte Sparks, longtime members and faithful servants of the church, resigned. We will also miss their grandchildren, Sattin and Krista.

Mark Guyer, whom we elected to become an assistant pastor, has resigned because of traveling difficulties and frequent unavailability. He plans to continue as an associate member, and has volunteered to preach when Charlie is unavailable.

It is with sincere love that we extend an invitation to Sharon Shellis, Jean Donaldson, Mark and Deanna Hearn, and Trey Stone to again worship with us regularly. [Amended: 12/10, unanimously]

Keep these dear friends in your prayers as they go on to serve the Lord in different localities.

The state of our ministries

They have failed!

What I mean by this is that any proposed action automatically labeled “a ministry” will not work with a church of our size and limited resources. However, where a single believer acts out of obedience to the calling of God, things get done! It takes a single disciple to spearhead an effort, but God Himself must first ordain it. Then, as others take notice and follow, it becomes a successful ministry—Where two agree it shall be done (Matthew 18:19).

For example, The Vintage Ministry, it took pastor Mulholland to take the initiative, as brother David and a few others followed along. This is a successful outreach. On the other hand, the Home Bible Study program (which is a great idea and a proven success in other churches) has failed because nobody has started it.

There are literally thousands of ways we can serve God through our actions. Take the initiative! Don’t worry too much about red-tape and committee action when it comes to telling others about the Good News. Just do it! Our pastor and the board are here to help, not to hinder you. If you have an idea that involves the church building or requires some financial assistance, bring your concerns to any of us and we’ll talk about it.

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Saints!) is still the best policy! The Holy Spirit does most of the work. We just have to help.

Also, most people in our church are very humble and have only a small circle of friends. This may be the reason we are so small, as it is hard to invite people to church when you don’t know a whole lot of people. But you can always pray and ask God to show you ways to reach out of your usual surroundings.

The state of our doctrine

We’re doing well here.

The EMC Discipline requires the stewards of our church to “lead the congregation in all spiritual matters by precept and example” and to help the pastor minister to others by informing him of any “sick, needy, sin-sick, or disorderly person.” (7-326)

Our pastoral relations committee has not existed in several years, mainly because our pastor is doing a great job of keeping us Christ-centered and Biblically correct (all swollen toes aside!).

As a small group of committed believers, we have an unprecedented opportunity to present ourselves to God as a pure church. Larger churches would covet the unique opportunity we have!

We don’t have to worry too much about those who would come in to our fold to gain societal influence or to embezzle funds. We all know each other, and can easily spot a wolf in sheep’s clothing if we are receptive to the Spirit.

I am convinced that everyone in this room today knows Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. What a chance to search our hearts and make our worship even more pleasing to God! We are the only barriers standing in the way of becoming the ideal church that God has called us to be. May we take these years of small numbers and make ourselves worthy of the future growth that God will certainly bless us with!

Future Goals

According to a survey of 109 random churches nationwide by the Steeple Group, in which our church was evaluated, 78% of high-growth congregations and 72% of large congregations have a clear, optimistic, and precise mission statement. These statements were not mottos like “Jesus is Lord” or “Making Disciples,” but had specific spiritual, numerical, and personal goals.

It was agreed that he would draft a mission statement, and then each member of the board would edit. The changes would go back to the pastor for approval, and we would adopt the statement at a following board meeting. Suggestions are welcome.

And to fulfill our upcoming mission, as well as the Great Commission (Mark 16:15), here are some ideas we have been “kicking around”:

-Accountability Groups: Making sure that each member of the church has someone to confide with, pray for, fellowship with, and study the Word with on at least a weekly basis.

-Outdoor Services: Making good use of our paved parking lot to arouse curiosity in our activities. Also, using a large, platform trailer to go to other places around Denton to preach the gospel.

-Moving locations: Possibly meeting in Wellspring Christian School’s auditorium (formerly Asbury United Methodist Church’s sanctuary, down the street) on Sunday mornings. There’s also a slim possibility of purchasing a store-front location in a shopping center or maybe even buying back our old location on Welch and Maple near UNT, if it is in good repair. It is the general consensus of the board that our location prevents would-be visitors from finding us.

Other goals include:

-Building improvements: Transparent blue, acrylic bricks to replace damaged stained-glass in sanctuary, artificial trees for the fellowship hall, library and sanctuary, and perhaps some wallpaper ceiling-trim for the fellowship hall would spruce-up our surrounding a bit. We have yet to investigate the feasibility of foundation repair. Justin has suggested maybe a picnic table toward the back of the building, since it is now almost clear of low branches and debris.

-More advertising: Working with local newspapers to write feature stories and submitting print advertisements. Also, Tiffany is planning flyer distribution at UNT and TWU.

-Missionary Support: Dedicating one Sunday per month to the work of our EMC, OMS, and WGM missionaries. We are currently planning to host Bill and Yvonne (pastor Mulholland’s daughter and son-in-law) to present a public presentation on the state of Africa’s spiritual development and the needs of the people there.

-Better Member and Visitor Management: Visitor cards in pews, a file for them, et cetera. Dorothy has offered to send postcards to our visitors and also to members who have not been with us for quite some time. Also, we plan to create a database of our regulars at The Vintage, and follow up on them on a monthly basis one-on-one.

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This report is submitted for your approval, my brothers and sisters. It is my prayer that we will continue to do the will of God, whether we remain small or not.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Andrew Hogue
interim chairman williamhogue@usa.net

Reported Approved Unanimously, at the Annual Conference of University Methodist Church, December 10th, AD. 2000

In other business, the Conference heard two other prepared reports.

David Johnson gave the report in lieu of the former Board of Trustees (now merged with Administrative Board). Pastor Charles Mulholland gave his report on the activities and ministry of the church.

Mid-States District Superintendant Jack Conner presided, and lended his advice to the proceedings.

The Board chose to elect the following members as the Administrative Board (i= incumbent):

Andrew Hogue (i- Chairman)
Barbara Smartt (i- Secretary/Treasurer)
David Johnson (i- Trustee)
Maria Hayes (Trustee)

The conference secretary was Diana Johnson, in place of Ms. Smartt, who was in the hospital during the Conference.

Mrs. Carol Ferris has agreed to stay-on as Sunday School Superindendant.

David Johnson and Andrew Hogue were reccomended by the pastor to the District Superintendant for Local Preacher's Licenses.